YOUR RELOCATION CHECKLIST

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

With the right approach, moving can be less stressful and even an exciting new chapter. The key is to start early, stay organized, and follow a practical checklist. Breaking the process down into manageable steps—like decluttering, labeling boxes, and scheduling utilities—can help you stay in control and avoid last-minute chaos.

Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, preparation makes all the difference. Thoughtful planning, a positive mindset, and a few smart strategies will not only reduce stress but also help you enjoy the journey. After all, moving isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about creating a fresh start and new memories in your next home.

CHECKLIST

8-10 Weeks Before Your Move

Find a real estate agent to sell your home and/or buy one in your new city

Research your new city, things like: 

Commute times

School and childcare options Tax and insurance differences

Cost of living changes

Make a visit in person to nail down your housing

Pick one place (like a daily planner) to start tracking all your important info and numbers related to moving

7-8 Weeks Before Your Move

Pick a good day to move

Create a moving budget

Sort and Declutte - Go room by room. Donate, sell, or toss anything you no longer need.

Hire Movers or Reserve a Truck

Schedule movers or reserve a truck for a DIY move.

Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder

Organize quotes, receipts, and an inventory list.

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and start the purging process

Share your moving timeline to coordinate the closing or rental turnover.

5-6 Weeks Before Your Move

Change Of Address with USPS 

FYI, you will also be forwarding all junk mail. 

Update Address with Key Accounts

Banks, credit cards, subscriptions, insurance, etc.

Transfer Utilities

Set start/end dates for electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash pickup.

Schedule Cleaners

Book cleaning for the home you're leaving or moving into.

Plan family and pet transportation for moving day

Notify your kids’ schools of the move

Update home or rental insurance policies

3-4 Weeks Before Your Move

Gather packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap and tape

Pack non-essentials, things you won’t use over the next month

Begin change of address notifications 

Update any accounts with your new address and notify your bank to avoid fraud

Schedule cancellation of existing utilities or services

2+ Weeks Before Your Move

Pack Most Items

Label by room and contents for easy unpacking.

Confirm Movers or Rental Truck

Reconfirm arrival time, access details, and payment.

Set Aside Essentials

Keep valuables, documents, medications, and chargers with you.

Notify Key Contacts

Share your new address with family, friends, and your employer.

Schedule a final house cleaning

Set up utilities at your new home Refill any prescriptions

Do pet checkups and grooming

Final Week Before Your Move

Finish packing

Reduce food in your fridge and pantry

Drain fluids from machines and appliances being moved (like fuel from a lawn mower)

Defrost and Clean Appliances

Especially your fridge and freezer—do this at least 24–48 hours prior.

Final Walk-Through

Check closets, cabinets, attic, garage—everything!

Pack a "First Night" Box

Include toiletries, clothes, meds, linens, snacks, basic tools, and chargers.

Verify Utility Start Date

Confirm services are active before you arrive.

DAY OF MOVE

Take Final Meter Readings

Snap photos of gas, water, and electric meters.

Do a Final Home Sweep

Don’t forget drawers, under sinks, and behind doors.

Snap a picture with your old house and take a moment to say goodbye

Supervise the Move

Note any damages or missing items from the bill of lading (which is just a fancy term for a detailed list of items moved)

Lock Up and Hand Over Keys

Follow the real estate agreement for key handoff.

Load your things, trek to your new home, and get unloaded

Install appliances

Reassemble furniture

You Make It Into Your New Home!  

Post Move

Unpack within two weeks and ditch those moving boxes—it’ll feel great

Review legal docs, like wills, to make sure they transfer to your new city

Update your license and vehicle tags 

Check security and fire safety devices in your new home

Make your new cityor town home! 

Find your new gym, church, 

hospital, shopping center and 

favorite Chinese takeout spot

SUCCESS!

Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? We’re glad you made it into your new home and we really enjoyed being there with you every step of the way!

Get comfortable, relax, and take a day off. You’ve earned it.